‘Tis the season to search for the best Holiday Light displays in the area! Here are a few places in and around Groton to check out:
Stonington Lobster Trap Tree (Stonington)
It doesn’t get more New England than the Stonington Lobster Trap Tree! Made up of 450+ buoys, many of them coming from local artists, the “tree” is truly an outdoor art display. The architectural masterpiece is situated on a grassy area at the Stonington town dock, paying homage to the town’s renowned fishing industry. The lobster trap tree is on display now thru January 7, 2024, lit from 4:30pm-9:30pm daily. It is located at 1 High Street, Stonington, CT 06379.
Olde Mistick Village Holiday Lights Spectacular (Mystic)
Every year Olde Mistick Village decks out in festive lights and never disappoints! Get your holiday shopping done and enjoy all the outdoor displays and fun photo opps of “Holiday Lights Spectacular.” It is the largest holiday light display in southern New England and free to the public, up through the end of January 2024.
Home For The Holidays at Mystic Aquarium (Mystic)
Be “Home For The Holidays” this season at Mystic Aquarium! Wave at the whales as you begin your holiday stroll through outdoor and indoor habitats taking in the sights and sounds of favorite holiday themes. The newly-renovated courtyard is decked with dancing lights choreographed with your favorite holiday movie tunes. There will be refreshments available for purchase, countless photo opportunities, and even some surprise special guests! Select dates now through Dec. 30.
Foxwoods Rink & Winter Terrace (Ledyard)
Ice skating is back at Foxwoods! Nestled behind The Fox Tower, the Foxwoods Rink and Winter Terrace is a winter favorite. Skate in the cool air, surrounded by the warmth of thousands of holiday lights or take the party inside one of our themed heated igloos. The rink is open Fridays (4pm-10pm), Saturdays (12pm-10pm) and Sundays (12pm-8pm), weather permitting.
Magic of Lights (East Hartford)
Head to Hartford for the Magic of Lights at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Purchase weekday tickets in advance for $18.50 per standard vehicle. Weekend tickets are $30 per vehicle. This drive thru LED display will wow you! It runs through Dec. 31! While you’re out that way, stop for dinner in West Hartford. Zohara is my personal favorite.
Fantasy of Lights (New Haven)
The Fantasy of Lights in New Haven is a spectacular drive thru display, with all proceeds benefitting Goodwill of NE. Ticket prices for standard vehicles are $10.
Lions Lights in Motion (Hebron)
The Hebron Lions Lights in Motion is a drive thru light show over one mile long! Tickets can be purchased online ahead of your visit and are $34 per car. Be sure to check their calendar for the scheduled shows!
Holiday Lights Spectacular (Providence)
Drive thru light shows not your thing? Check out the Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, RI. now through Dec. 31. The “Holiday Lights Spectacular” features festive, larger-than-life dazzling displays. This year’s event is even bigger and brighter boasting more than 3 ½ million illuminated lights that transform the zoo’s 40 acres into a winter wonderland! Tickets must be purchased online and there is no military discount offered for this special event. Adults are $14 and kids 2-12 are $12.
If you want to stick to Groton proper, check out this holiday light map from the City of Groton!
Any other light displays you recommend? Comment below!